Jim Dion, Borrego Village Association • September 2, 2026

Update: Borrego Springs Welcome Sign

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New sign by artist John Richen is planned for installation soon!

Hello Welcome Sign Supporters,


It has been since May that we issued our last update on the WELCOME SIGN Project.


Understandably, summer in Borrego Springs has slowed our pace. However, especially in light of how consistently triple-digit hot—and not to mention humid—the summer has been, we are inspired to have progress to report!


Our thanks go to John Richen, Rick Anson, and Jack Sims, who are continuing to move this project forward and make it happen.

Rick Anson - Owner, Anson Construction Company

As you may remember from our update in May, John Richen has finished fabricating the sign itself. Our next steps are to pour the concrete base at the site and erect the frame.

In the meantime, Jack has been working with Rick in his shop welding the sample boulder frame.


The next step will be to add layers of mesh, after which concrete finishers will apply the cement. They will then begin sampling stains so the boulders resemble those we see throughout our beautiful desert landscape.


Once the sample is completed and the desired look is achieved, they will repeat the process to fabricate the remaining boulders that will frame the sign. A drawing of the finished design is also attached.


I have a feeling that, with what these talented volunteers are creating, we are not getting just a “Welcome Sign”—we are getting a Borrego Springs-style work of art!


Because this has been an entirely volunteer fabrication effort, we greatly appreciate seeing progress continue through the challenging summer months. We may—or may not—hit our target date of having the finished sign ready for Borrego Days. If it is not completed by October 17th, we certainly expect it to be finished in 2026.


We sincerely appreciate your support and patience as we continue to inch forward.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Welcome Sign Committee anytime through Jim Dion at BorregoVillage@gmail.com.


Best Regards,

Welcome Sign Committee


Jim Dion
Bruce Durbin
Nancy McRae
Alicia Wyeslacki


Previous update

Borrego Springs Welcome Sign Moves Forward

By Andrea McKenna • May 18, 2026
New sign by artist John Richen is planned for installation before Borrego Days weekend 

 




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